Any suggestions on some reasonable, reliable contractors for metal contemporary style railings ?  

House hacking business style!

That style of building usually has separate gas/electric metering per apartment, so the landlord pays water/sewer/trash.On the topic of your agent not wanting to make an offer, have you asked your agent to prepare an offer?

The Zip code of 48221 is next of the list, here is the link https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department/rental-property-informationI believe renovating and selling for top dollar would be in your best interest. https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/defenders/detroit-landlord-jailed-for-code-violations-including-apparent-black-mold-raw-sewage-at-home

Think 9/11 style damage.

It is a top/bottom style duplex with a flat roof and a basement so there should be no issues around ducting. each floor is around 1,100 sq ft  Any idea how much I should be looking to get this quoted for?  

The worst case scenario for me would be to just purchase rentals turnkey style. 

For garden style apartments, average OpEx was $5,661 per unit per year.

It depends on the age, construction, roof style, etc.

The plan (his plan) was to take the upstairs of a large, beautiful, historic building and convert it to 4 dorm style units.